Jonas Siegenthaler
Position: D
Current Team: Regina Pats, WHL
Date of Birth: May 6, 1997
Place of Birth: Zürich, Switzerland
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 220 lbs
Shoots: Left
Jonas Siegenthaler is a big, rangy, smooth-skating defenseman out of Switzerland, who has edged up in the rankings as the draft approaches. As his statistics reflect, the notice is not due to his offensive prowess, which is sorely lacking. Instead, Siegenthaler relies on a defense-first style, with his hallmark being responsible in all three zones. He has the capability to make short, quick and accurate exit passes, but is challenged by more elaborate stick skills.
Siegenthaler’s responsible style has made him a mainstay in international competition for Switzerland, which has steadily improved its standing in the world hockey community. He is ranked #12 among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting, and is #56 overall in the ISS Rankings.
A Good Fit in Columbus?
From where I sit, I suspect the franchise will take a pass here. There are plenty of defense prospects with a wider range of skills that will translate more readily to the North American game. While his size is an asset, and responsible play is always appreciated, it is a bit easier to play positionally responsible hockey on the larger ice. Siegenthaler is talented, but is a long term project.
Siegenthaler Up Close
As frequently happens with European players at this level of the draft, highlight video is hard to find. Here is an amusing clip (at least if you speak the Swiss dialect, or at least a bit of German). He does say that Erik Karlsson is his role model, and that he would like to have a drink with Barack Obama. Clearly, he has a pretty good sense of humor . . .